Foldable trampoline frame assembly

ABSTRACT

A foldable trampoline frame assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a travel limiting member and an engagement member. The spaced apart frame segments are pivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of the frame segments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of the frame segments between a use configuration and a folded configuration. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedly attached to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosures made herein relate generally to hinge structures, moreparticularly, to hinge structures for foldable trampolines.

BACKGROUND

A trampoline typically includes a frame assembly supported on a floor bya plurality of supporting legs, and a jumping bed tightly stretchedwithin an opening in the frame assembly via a plurality of spacedelastic elements. Helically wound extension springs, elastic bands, etcare examples of such elastic elements. A user may continuously jump onand rebound from the jumping bed for the purpose of exercise,entertainment, training, etc.

A trampoline that has a non-foldable frame assembly has a major drawbackof storage and shipping of the trampoline being compromised due to thephysical size of the frame. To address these drawbacks, variousconfigurations of trampolines with foldable frame assemblies have beendevised. While such foldable trampoline frame assemblies at leastpartially alleviate drawbacks leading to compromises in storage andshipping, the folding action of a trampoline frame creates a potentialsafety issue when folding the frame. The tension exerted by elasticelements between frame segments and a jumping mat of a foldabletrampoline provides for a considerable amount of stored energy in thetrampoline. This tension can be used to secure the frame segments of aframe assembly in a use configuration (e.g., via an over center actionat hinges of the frame assembly). It is not typical or desirable to haveto remove all or a portion of the spaced elastic elements for thepurpose of releasing such tension prior to moving the frame segmentsfrom a use configuration toward a folded configuration. Thus, releasingthe frame segments from the use configuration and moving it toward thefolded configuration can result in tension in the spaced elasticelements causing a rapid and forceful release of such tension. Thisrapid and forceful release of tension exerts a ‘self-closing force’ onthe frame segments that causes the frame segments to pivot toward thefolded configuration at a rate of movement and with sufficient force tostartle and, potentially, injure a nearby person or persons. Forexample, initial movement of the frame segments from the useconfiguration toward the folded configuration may be very controlled dueto the self-closing force being initially low in magnitude. But, withfurther pivoting of one frame segment with respect to the other, theself-closing force increases, thereby causing rapid movement of theframe segments towards the folded configuration. Due to the magnitude ofsuch self-closing force and/or its presence being unanticipated, theframe segments may begin to move toward the folded position at anextreme rate and contact with a person may result in bodily injury.Thus, a hinge assembly that mitigates, if not eliminates, the adverseaspects of the folding the frame of a trampoline having tensionedelastic elements would be advantageous, desirable and useful.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Embodiments of the present invention address adverse aspects of foldabletrampoline frame segments being moved from a use configuration to afolded configuration while elastic elements are still in tension betweenthe frame segments and a jumping mat. More specifically, embodiments ofthe present invention limit the degree of folding that canunrestrictedly take place during folding of such trampoline framesegments, which limits the amount of self-closing force that isuncontrollably and/or suddenly exerted on the frame segments whilemoving the frame segments toward the folded configuration. In doing so,embodiments of the present invention advantageously overcome one or moreshortcomings associated with conventional foldable trampoline frameassemblies.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampoline frameassembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segment and atravel limiting member. The first frame segment has a pivot arm rigidlyattached thereto. The travel limiting member is positionable in a travellimiting position when engaged with a mating portion of the pivot arm ofthe first frame segment and is movable to a non-limiting position. Thesecond frame segment has a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto. The pivotarm of the second frame segment is pivotably attached to the pivot armof the first frame segment for enabling the frame segments to be pivotedwith respect to each other between a use configuration and a foldedconfiguration. The pivot arm of the second frame segment includes anengagement member fixedly attached thereto. The engagement memberengages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is inthe travel limiting position during pivoting of the frame segments fromthe use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting theframe segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration whenthe travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampolineframe assembly comprises a first frame segment, a second frame segmentand a travel limiting member. The first frame segment has spaced apartpivot arms rigidly attached thereto. The travel limiting member ispositionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with matingportions of the pivot arms of the first frame segment and is movable toa non-limiting position. The second frame segment has spaced apart pivotarms rigidly attached thereto. The pivot arms of the second framesegment are pivotably attached to the pivot arms of the first framesegment for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respectto the second frame segment between a use configuration and a foldedconfiguration. At least one of the pivot arms of the second framesegment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto. Theengagement member engages the travel limiting member when the travellimiting member is in the travel limiting position during pivoting ofthe frame segments from the use configuration toward the foldedconfiguration for limiting the frame segments to be pivoted to apartially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in thetravel limiting position.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a foldable trampolineframe assembly comprises spaced apart frame segments, a travel limitingmember and an engagement member. The spaced apart frame segments arepivotably attached to each other for enabling a first one of the framesegments to be pivoted with respect to a second one of the framesegments between a use configuration and a folded configuration. Thetravel limiting member is positionable in a travel limiting positionwhen engaged with a mating portion of the first frame segment and ismovable to a non-limiting position. The engagement member is fixedlyattached to the second frame segment. The engagement member engages thetravel limiting member when the travel limiting member is in the travellimiting position during pivoting of the frame segments from the useconfiguration toward the folded configuration for limiting the framesegments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when thetravel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.

Turning now to specific aspects of the present invention, in at leastone embodiment, each one of the spaced apart pivot arms of the secondframe segment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the mating portionof the pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in each pivot armof the first frame segment and the travel limiting member is removablyengagable through each hole.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the travel limitingmember is an elongated generally straight member and the holes of thepivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travellimiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axis of theframe segments when the travel limiting member is engaged within theholes.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the holes arelocated between a pivot axis of the frame segments and bottom edges ofthe frame segments when the frame segments are in the use configuration.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a self-closingforce is exerted on the frame segments by elastic elements connected tothe frame segments when the frame segments are in the partially foldedconfiguration.

These and other objects, embodiments, advantages and/or distinctions ofthe present invention will become readily apparent upon further reviewof the following specification, associated drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a foldable trampoline in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary view of the foldable trampoline shown in FIG. 1with an edge cover being omitted.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view showing configuration of frame segments andhinge structure of the foldable trampoline shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

FIGS. 1-4 depict various aspects of an embodiment of a foldabletrampoline in accordance with the present invention, which is referredto herein as the trampoline 10. While the trampoline 10 is of arelatively small size, it is disclosed herein that the present inventionis not limited to a foldable trampoline of any particular size. Morebroadly, the present invention is useful with foldable trampolines ofvarious sizes, shapes and physical constructions.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the trampoline 10 includes a frame assembly12, legs 14 a jumping mat 16, extension springs 18 and an edge cover 20.The frame assembly 12 includes a first frame segment 22, a second framesegment 24 and hinge structures 26. The hinge structures 26 areconnected between the first frame segment 22 and the second framesegment 24 for enabling the frame segments (22, 24) to pivot withrespect to each other thereby providing for foldability of the frameassembly 12. The legs 14 are attached to the frame segments (22, 24) ina spaced apart manner for supporting the frame assembly 12 above asupport surface. The frame segments (22, 24) are curved such that theframe segments (22, 24) are connected to form a ring-like structure whenthe frame segments (22, 24) are in a use configuration U (FIGS. 1 and2). When in the use configuration U, the frame segments (22, 24) jointlydefine an opening 28 in a central portion of the ring structure. Thejumping mat 16 is positioned within the opening 28 and each one of theextension springs 18 is connected in a spaced apart and tensioned mannerbetween a respective one of the frame structures (22, 24) and thejumping mat 16. The edge cover 20 covers the frame segments (22, 24) andthe extension springs 18, thereby protecting users and by-standers fromdangers associated with the extension springs 18 and the open spacebetween the jumping mat 16 and the frame segments (22, 24).

It is disclosed herein that a foldable trampoline in accordance with thepresent invention may be constructed using known fabrication techniquesand materials. For example, in one embodiment, the frame segments (22,24) are bent steel tubing, the legs 14 are lengths of steel tubinghaving threaded portions that screw into mating threaded portions of theframe segments (22, 24), and the jumping mat 16 is a fabric mat madefrom natural and/or synthetic material and having eyelets providetherein around its perimeter edge. It is further disclosed herein thatextension springs are one embodiment of an elastic member suitable forsupporting and tensioning the jumping mat 16. For example, a bungee cordis another embodiment of an elastic member suitable for supporting andtensioning the jumping mat 16. Thus, it is disclosed herein that atrampoline in accordance with the present invention is not unnecessarilylimited to being constructed using any specific fabrication technique,components and/or materials.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, each hinge structure 26 includes a firstpivot body 30 and a second pivot body 32. The first pivot body 30 isattached to end portions 34 of the first frame segment 22 and the secondpivot body 32 is attached to end portions 36 of the second frame segment24. Preferably, but not necessarily, the pivot bodies (30, 32) are madefrom steel and are welded to the respective end portions of the framesegments (22, 24). A frame segment and attached pivot body jointlydefine a frame segment structure.

As best shown in FIG. 3, the first pivot body 30 includes spaced apartpivot arms 38 that are rigidly attached thereto and the second pivotbody 32 includes spaced apart pivot arms 40 rigidly attached thereto.The pivot arms 38 of the first pivot body 30 are pivotably attached tothe pivot arms 40 of the second pivot body 32 via a pivot pin 42 thatextends through the pivot arms (38, 40). The pivotable attachment of thepivot arms 38 of the first pivot body 30 to the pivot arms 40 of thesecond pivot body 32 enable the first frame segment 22 to be pivotedwith respect to the second frame segment 24 between the useconfiguration U and a folded configuration F (FIG. 4).

A travel limiting member 44 (i.e., a hitch pin) is engagable withinengagement holes 46 (FIGS. 2 and 4) of the pivot arms 38 of the firstframe segment 22. Preferably, but not necessarily, the holes 46 arelocated between a longitudinal axis of the pivot pin 42 and bottom edges47 (FIG. 4) of the frame segments (22, 24) when the frame segments (22,24) are in the use configuration U. When engaged within the holes 46 ofthe pivot arms 38 of the first frame segment 22, the travel limitingmember 44 is in a travel limiting position and, when removed from theholes 46 of the pivot arms 38 of the first frame segment 22, the travellimiting member 44 is in a non-limiting position. The holes 46 of thepivot arms 38 of the first frame segment 22 are positioned such that alongitudinal axis of the travel limiting member 44 extends generallyparallel with a pivot axis of the frame segments (22, 24) when thetravel limiting member 44 is engaged within the holes 46.

The pivot arms 40 of the second pivot body 32 each include an engagementmember 48 (FIGS. 3 and 4) fixedly attached thereto. The engagementmembers 48 engage the travel limiting member 44 when the travel limitingmember 44 is engaged within the holes 46 of the pivot arms 38 of thefirst frame segment 22 during pivoting of the frame segments (22, 24)from the use configuration U toward the folded configuration F therebylimiting the frame segments (22, 24) to be pivoted to a partially foldedconfiguration P (FIG. 4) when the travel limiting member 44 is in thetravel limiting position. At least a portion of the self-closing forceexerted on the frame segments (22, 24) by extension springs 18 is stillbeing exerted by the extension springs 18 when the frame segments (22,24) are in the partially folded configuration P. As such, the frameassembly 12 is advantageously and usefully configured for precluding aself-closing force exerted by the extension springs 18 from causing theframe segments (22, 24) to move from the use configuration U to thefolded configuration F in an unrestricted manner. When a person movesthe frame segments (22, 24) from the use configuration U toward thefolded configuration F, engagement of the engagement members 48 with thetravel limiting member 44 limits the frame segments (22, 24) to beingpivoted to the partially folded configuration P and, thus, limitsunrestricted self-folding of the frame segments (22, 24). This allows aperson to more readily control any self-folding tendencies stemming fromrelease of tension in the extension springs 18, which provides forincreased safety.

It is disclosed herein that in other embodiments of the presentinvention, various aspects of the embodiment pf the present inventiondisclosed above may be altered while still being captured within thescope and spirit of the present invention. In one alternate embodimentof the present invention, the pivot pin extend through only one pivotarm of each pivot body. In another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, the pivot pin is precluded from being fully detached fromboth pivot bodies. In still another alternate embodiment of the presentinvention, the pivot arms are integral with at least one of the framesegments such that at least one frame segment does not have a discretepivot body attached thereto. In still another alternate embodiment ofthe present invention, each hinge structure includes only one engagementmember as opposed to two as depicted in FIG. 3.

In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the present inventionmay be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, havebeen described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the artto practice embodiments of the present invention. It is to be understoodthat other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical, chemical and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of such inventive disclosures. Toavoid unnecessary detail, the description omits certain informationknown to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed descriptionis, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms setforth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover suchalternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonablyincluded within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A foldable trampoline frame assembly, comprising: a first framesegment having a pivot arm rigidly attached thereto; a travel limitingmember positionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with amating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment and movableto a non-limiting position; and a second frame segment having a pivotarm rigidly attached thereto, wherein the pivot arm of the second framesegment is pivotably attached to the pivot arm of the first framesegment for enabling said frame segments to be pivoted with respect toeach other between a use configuration and a folded configuration,wherein the pivot arm of the second frame segment includes an engagementmember fixedly attached thereto and wherein the engagement memberengages the travel limiting member when the travel limiting member is inthe travel limiting position during pivoting of said frame segments fromthe use configuration toward the folded configuration for limiting saidframe segments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration whenthe travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
 2. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the engagementmember is integral with the pivot arm of the second frame segment. 3.The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein: the matingportion of the pivot arm of the first frame segment is a hole; and thetravel limiting member is removably engagable within the hole.
 4. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 1 wherein the hole in thepivot arm of the first frame segment is located between a pivot axis ofsaid frame segments and bottom edges of said frame segments when saidframe segments are in the use configuration.
 5. The foldable trampolineframe assembly of claim 1 wherein a self-closing force is exerted onsaid frame segments by elastic elements connected to said frame segmentswhen said frame segments are in the partially folded configuration. 6.The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 4 wherein: theengagement member is integral with the pivot arm of the second framesegment; the mating portion of the pivot arm of the first frame segmentis a hole; the travel limiting member is removably engagable within thehole; and the hole in the pivot arm of the first frame segment travellimiting member is located between a pivot axis of said frame segmentsand bottom edges of said frame segments.
 7. A foldable trampoline frameassembly, comprising: a first frame segment having spaced apart pivotarms rigidly attached thereto; a travel limiting member positionable ina travel limiting position when engaged with mating portions of saidpivot arms of the first frame segment and movable to a non-limitingposition; and a second frame segment having spaced apart pivot armsrigidly attached thereto, wherein said pivot arms of the second framesegment are pivotably attached to said pivot arms of the first framesegment for enabling the first frame segment to be pivoted with respectto the second frame segment between a use configuration and a foldedconfiguration, wherein at least one of said pivot arms of the secondframe segment includes an engagement member fixedly attached thereto andwherein the engagement member engages the travel limiting member whenthe travel limiting member is in the travel limiting position duringpivoting of said frame segments from the use configuration toward thefolded configuration for limiting said frame segments to be pivoted to apartially folded configuration when the travel limiting member is in thetravel limiting position.
 8. The foldable trampoline frame assembly ofclaim 7 wherein a first one of said pivot arms of the second framesegment has a respective engagement member integral therewith.
 9. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 8 wherein a second one ofsaid pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagementmember integral therewith.
 10. The foldable trampoline frame assembly ofclaim 7 wherein: the mating portion of said pivot arms of the firstframe segment is a hole in each one of said pivot arms of the firstframe segment; and the travel limiting member is removably engagablethrough the holes of said pivot arms.
 11. The foldable trampoline frameassembly of claim 10 wherein: the travel limiting member is a elongatedgenerally straight member; and the holes of said pivot arms arepositioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limiting memberextends generally parallel with a pivot axis of said frame segments whenthe travel limiting member is engaged within said holes.
 12. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 11 wherein: a first one ofsaid pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respective engagementmember integral therewith; and a second one of said pivot arms of thesecond frame segment has a respective engagement member integraltherewith.
 13. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 12wherein said holes are located between a pivot axis of said framesegments and bottom edges of said frame segments when said framesegments are in the use configuration.
 14. The foldable trampoline frameassembly of claim 7 wherein a self-closing force is exerted on saidframe segments by elastic elements connected to said frame segments whensaid frame segments are in the partially folded configuration.
 15. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 14 wherein: the matingportion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment is a hole in eachone of said pivot arms of the first frame segment; the travel limitingmember is removably engagable through the holes of said pivot arms; thetravel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member; theholes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinal axis ofthe travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivot axisof said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engaged withinsaid holes; a first one of said pivot arms of the second frame segmenthas a respective engagement member integral therewith; and a second oneof said pivot arms of the second frame segment has a respectiveengagement member integral therewith.
 16. A foldable trampoline frameassembly, comprising: spaced apart frame segments pivotably attached toeach other for enabling a first one of said frame segments to be pivotedwith respect to a second one of said frame segments between a useconfiguration and a folded configuration; a travel limiting memberpositionable in a travel limiting position when engaged with a matingportion of said first frame segment and movable to a non-limitingposition; an engagement member fixedly attached to said second framesegment, wherein the engagement member engages the travel limitingmember when the travel limiting member is in the travel limitingposition during pivoting of said frame segments from the useconfiguration toward the folded configuration for limiting said framesegments to be pivoted to a partially folded configuration when thetravel limiting member is in the travel limiting position.
 17. Thefoldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16 wherein: the matingportion of said pivot arms of the first frame segment includes a hole;and the travel limiting member is removably engagable through the hole.18. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 17 wherein: thetravel limiting member is an elongated generally straight member; andthe holes of said pivot arms are positioned such that a longitudinalaxis of travel limiting member extends generally parallel with a pivotaxis of said frame segments when the travel limiting member is engagedwithin the hole.
 19. The foldable trampoline frame assembly of claim 16wherein a self-closing force is exerted on said frame segments byelastic elements connected to said frame segments when said framesegments are in the partially folded configuration.
 20. The foldabletrampoline frame assembly of claim 19 wherein: the mating portion of thefirst frame segment includes a hole; the travel limiting member isremovably engagable through the hole; the travel limiting member is anelongated generally straight member; and the holes of said pivot armsare positioned such that a longitudinal axis of the travel limitingmember extended generally parallel with a pivot axis of said framesegments when the travel limiting member is engaged within the hole.